International Business

Available Options

Program Overview

The international business major prepares students for work in organizations whose owners, employees, customers and/or suppliers are not confined to the borders of one nation. Those who choose this major will learn about marketing goods and services around the world, global distribution networks, exchange rates and the different forms of ownership and financing that exist in non-U.S. countries. They will consider the dramatic impact of culture on the behavior of individuals in organizations and on the contracting and negotiating process of international trade. They will compare the business climate of developed and underdeveloped nations and learn how companies compete in a global business economy. International business students are exposed to ethical issues and the impact of business decisions on global ecology. The curriculum requires a strong foundation of language and culture, history, geography and political science along with the business core classes. International business students are required to include an international experience in their program.

The International business major is designed for students seeking specialized education to work in multinational corporations, global banks, international organizations, and government agencies. Such organizations include all forms of business; the departments of Commerce, State, and Treasury; international institutions such as the Export-Import Bank, World Bank and Overseas Investment Corporation; and several state and local agencies.

Requirements for Major

Course

Credit Hours

Non-Business requirements

SCSG 003 - World Regional Geography

3

POLS 065 - Comparative Politics, or

POLS 075 - World Politics

3

The IBUS major recommends PSY 001 or ENSP 035/036 to fulfill the Life/Behavioral Science Area AOI

Foreign language - Students must demonstrate proficiency in a language other than their native tongue. Proficiency can be demonstrated by college credit or equivalent, including certification exam credit, for a language through the intermediate level (second year, college level). Non-English native speakers demonstrate foreign language proficiency implicitly by taking their classes in English while at Drake.

0-12

Business requirements

ECON 010 - Macroeconomics

3

MGMT 170 - International Management

3

Three additional elective courses chosen from

ECON 130 - International Economics, or

ECON 175 - Developing Economies

3

FIN 170 - International Finance

3

MKTG 170 - Global Marketing

3

WLC 148 - Intercultural Communication

3

Approved International Business elective(s) taken on study-abroad

3

TOTAL

21-33

International experience requirement:

Each student in the IBUS major is required to have an international experience of one of the following types:

Semester study abroad

Study abroad seminar course(s) totaling 6 or more credits.

Internship abroad

Internship in the US with a significant international focus

Credits earned in the international experience may be counted to fulfill other requirements. The internship options may be for credit or not for credit. International students satisfy this requirement by earning their degree at Drake.

Participation in a semester-abroad program is highly encouraged. The best time for this experience is in the spring of the sophomore year or the fall or spring of the junior year. A semester abroad requires careful identification of courses abroad that satisfy graduation requirements and careful scheduling of courses before and after the study-abroad semester. Students work with their advisers and with the Center for International Programs and Services to select study-abroad programs and to schedule classes.

IBUS majors are strongly encouraged to pursue another major either within the College of Business and Public Administration or a program in an allied field, such as international relations, or global public health, which aligns with their career goals. Students also are encouraged to consider the certificate/minor in their foreign language of choice.